Written Answers Nos. 282-297
282. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí assigned to the Dublin 7 and 15 areas; the number of community gardaí assigned to these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31566/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
Community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána. It provides a means of recognising that every community – both urban and rural – has its own concerns and expectations. That is why it is important to recognise that the role of a community Garda is not a specialist role in An Garda Síochána; rather it is the case that all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in carrying out their duties. The official categorisation as a Community Garda simply refers to those who are exclusively assigned to building relationships with local communities and civil society including giving talks to schools, community groups and others. It is a matter for the Divisional Chief Superintendent to determine the optimum distribution of duties among the personnel available to him or her having regard to the profile of the area and its specific needs.
As the Deputy will be aware the areas referred to form part of the Dublin Metropolitan Region (D.M.R.) West and North Central Divisions. I am informed by the Commissioner that the number of Gardaí assigned to the D.M.R. West Division on 31 May 2018, the latest date for which information is readily available, was 671 of whom 68 are designated as Community Gardaí. There are also 26 Garda Reserves and 55 Garda civilian staff attached to the Division. The number of Gardaí assigned to the D.M.R. North Central Division on 31 May 2018, the latest date for which information is readily available, was 643 of whom 90 are designated as Community Gardaí. There are also 35 Garda Reserves and 42 Garda civilian staff attached to the Division. When appropriate the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Armed Support Units, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.
The Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime. To make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021, including 15,000 Garda members.
I am informed by the Commissioner that since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, almost 2,000 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, of whom 194 and 181 members have been assigned to the to the D.M.R. West Division and the D.M.R. North Central Divisions respectively. Garda numbers in total, taking account of retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017 – a net increase of over 600 since the end of 2016.
This focus on investment in personnel is critical. The moratorium on recruitment introduced in 2010 resulted in a significant reduction in the strength of An Garda Síochána. Rebuilding the organisation is underway providing the Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí across all Garda activities including Community Policing.
For the Deputy’s information I have attached in tabular form the strength of each Division by station and the associated Community Policing strength.
D.M.R. NORTH CENTRAL 31 MAY 2018
|
District |
Station |
Number of Gardaí |
Of whom are Community Gardaí |
|
BRIDEWELL |
BRIDEWELL |
169 |
12 |
|
FITZGIBBON STREET |
MOUNTJOY |
205 |
36 |
|
STORE STREET |
IMMIGRATION D/DOCKS |
3 |
0 |
|
STORE STREET |
266 |
42 |
D.M.R. WEST 31 MAY 2018
|
District |
Station |
Number of Gardaí |
Of whom are Community Gardaí |
|
Blanchardstown |
Blanchardstown |
166 |
15 |
|
Cabra |
57 |
7 |
|
|
Finglas |
95 |
12 |
|
|
Clondalkin |
Ballyfermot |
82 |
6 |
|
Clondalkin |
96 |
8 |
|
|
Rathcoole |
14 |
1 |
|
|
Lucan |
Lucan |
69 |
8 |
|
Ronanstown |
92 |
11 |
283. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the provisions that have been made for the protection of persons in the witness protection scheme in cases in which they are being placed in the public service identity system that requires them to subscribe to services that require a public services card in view of the fact that the public services card carries all previous names of the person on the card as part of its data set; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31606/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Garda Síochána has operated a Witness Security Programme since 1997 to respond to attempts by criminal and other groups to prevent the normal functioning of the criminal justice system, including through the threat and the use of violence and systematic intimidation of witnesses.
As the Deputy will understand, by virtue of the necessarily highly confidential nature of the Witness Security Programme and the need to maintain the protection and safety of the persons who receive support from it, it is not the practice to detail the specifics of its operation.
However, I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána provides every appropriate protection for witnesses and their families who are receiving support from the programme. The Garda Authorities work closely as necessary with other bodies and service providers in this regard.
The Witness Security Programme is supported by provisions in the Criminal Justice Act 1999, as amended. Section 39 of the Act provides that a witness (other than an accused person) may give evidence by video-link where the court is satisfied that the person is likely to be in fear or subject to intimidation in giving evidence. Section 40 of the Act makes it an offence to seek to discover the location or other details of a relocated witness. The intimidation of a witness or juror is an offence under section 41 of the Act attracting a penalty of up to 15 years imprisonment.
284. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the measures he has taken in his Department further to the Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform's statement (details supplied) that the Data Sharing and Governance Bill 2018 is needed to provide a legal basis for certain data transfers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31627/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that my private office has been in contact with her office seeking clarification on this Question. Clarification was received late this morning that the Question wrongly refers to a Minister of State in my Department having made a statement; I now understand that the statement was in fact made by Minister of State O'Donovan on foot of his position in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. As the Deputy will be aware the Bill in question is the responsibility of that Department and I would therefore refer the Deputy to the reply being given today on the matter by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
285. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the contingency planning her Department has undertaken in respect of the recent actions of the US Administration seeking to undermine World Trade Organization rules and the imposition of tariffs on EU imports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31079/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Government, along with the rest of the EU Member States, is deeply disappointed with the current direction of US trade policy. We - all 28 EU Member States and the EU Commission - are clear that these tariffs are not justifiable on national security grounds. We fully subscribe to the EU position that these tariffs are unjustified and in conflict with WTO rules.
The EU Commission, which leads on Trade Policy for the Member States under the Treaties, and working in full consultation with the Member States, has prepared a measured, proportionate, and WTO-compatible response, which Ireland has fully supported. These measures include the launching of proceedings by the EU against the US at the WTO, the introduction of rebalancing tariff measures by the EU and the possible imposition of provisional safeguard measures comprising import quotas or tariffs to shield EU producers from a sudden influx of steel or aluminium into the EU market which would ordinarily have been destined for the US market.
EU leaders have also endorsed a positive agenda for dialogue on trade issues with the US, once the steel and aluminium tariffs against the EU are lifted. Ireland is of the view that the EU should not negotiate under threat, and that any talks must be preceded by a permanent exemption. The EU and its Member States are also working with other like-minded countries – such as Japan, Canada, and Mexico – to develop an agreed approach to issues of concern. We continue, of course, to keep open the lines of communication with the US Administration and other key ‘influencers’.
The US has sought to use the threat of tariffs as leverage to obtain trade concessions from the EU. The EU’s united approach that we are willing and able to respond when necessary in the face of such unilateral non-WTO-compliant actions is vital . We believe the US Administration is resolute on these issues at this time and, therefore, we believe the EU must remain as resolute and stay united. The alternative is to accept such action in breach of WTO rules as the EU understands them. Over the past number of months, the EU has engaged with the US at all possible levels, and with other partners, to find a solution to the problem of overcapacity in the steel sector. Indeed, I met with Secretary Ross in Washington to discuss these and related matters in May.
At a national level, we continue to monitor potential impacts of the trade measures being taken by the US, as well as those being contemplated. We remain alive to the fact that while certain actions may have limited impact at macro level, this could possibly mask individual firm level impacts. To this end, my Department and its agencies are keeping the situation under review. Indeed, I convened a meeting of my Enterprise Forum on Brexit and Global Challenges last week to discuss our strategy and hear, first hand, from a variety of representative bodies, their issues and concerns.
286. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to remove the role of healthcare assistant from the ineligible categories of employment listing on a controlled basis. [31093/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra299. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to remove care assistants from the ineligible list for work permit applications; if such changes will be introduced on a temporary controlled basis for two years and to be reviewed subsequently; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31524/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 286 and 299 together.
As the economy improves and as we approach full employment, in recognising the changing labour market situation, I requested my Department to conduct a review of economic migration policies underpinning the current employment permits system to ensure that our policies are fully supportive of Ireland’s emerging labour market needs, be they skills or labour shortages in certain sectors. A full report of the review will be presented shortly and will provide recommendations on a framework for the future operation of the employment permits regime.
Where specific skills prove difficult to source within the State and wider EEA, an employment permit may be sought by an employer to hire a non-EEA national subject to the Employment Permits Acts and Regulations.
The employment permits system is managed in part through the operation of the highly skilled and ineligible occupation lists for the purpose of grant of employment permits. Changes to access to the Irish labour market for specific occupations via the employment permits system are made on the basis of research undertaken by the Expert Group of Future Skills Needs and, coordinated by the National Skills Council, the annual National Skills Bulletin and the annual Vacancy Overview Report in tandem with a public consultation process.
It is expected that a review of the lists of occupations for employment permits will be conducted in the second half of this year. Healthcare assistants are currently included on the Ineligible Categories of Employment List (ICEL). In order to remove a skill from this list, there would need to be a clear demonstration that recruitment difficulties are solely due to shortages across the EEA and not to other factors such as salary and/or employment conditions. Organisations in the sector would need to provide the necessary data to substantiate their claims. A detailed evidence-based case for removal of care workers from the ineligible list, based on this detailed data would then need to be put forward by the Department of Health, as the lead Department for the sector, to my Department for review and consideration.
I am aware that my colleague, Minister of State Daly, with special responsibility for Older People, has had various meetings with the nursing home sector and this matter has been discussed. I understand Minister Daly is willing to work with the industry on this important issue to ensure continuity of service in the best interests of residents.
287. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding landholdings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31131/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe availability of an adequate supply of marketable serviced land and buildings in advance of demand is a key element in IDA Ireland's ability to compete for mobile foreign direct investment. That is because the availability of property solutions for potential investors allows projects to commence at an earlier date by diminishing much of the difficulties associated with land acquisition, planning and construction. It is therefore an important means by which the IDA can secure new investments for the country.
IDA Ireland collates data on land ownings using hectares as its principal unit of measurement. The IDA's property portfolio consists of approximately 4,400 hectares, which is made up of business and technology parks, industrial estates and strategic sites. Of this, approximately 1,100 hectares of land is available for marketing and around 3,300 hectares of land is currently in use. I understand that the Agency does not collate data on land currently in use by hectare. However, it does hold this data on land available for marketing.
I have been informed by the Agency that the majority of the IDA's lands were acquired over 30 years ago. As a result, collating details on the date of purchase for each of these holdings will take some time. The table below, however, provide details of all IDA Ireland land currently available for marketing.
Table - Available IDA Owned Land by County
|
- County
|
Town |
Land Address |
Hectares Available |
|
County Carlow |
Bagenalstown |
Bagenalstown |
0.1555 |
|
County Cavan |
Cavan |
Cavan B&T Park |
9.05 |
|
County Cork |
Youghal |
Springfield Estate |
1.87 |
|
County Cork |
Youghal |
Foxhole |
1.0063 |
|
County Cork |
Skibbereen |
Poundlick Estate |
3.86 |
|
County Cork |
Kanturk |
Mallow B & T Park |
0.6831 |
|
County Cork |
Kinsale |
Rathhallikeen |
0.1298 |
|
County Cork |
Kanturk |
Pulleen |
2.47 |
|
County Cork |
Fermoy |
Rathealy |
0.9407 |
|
County Cork |
Cork City |
Cork City Kilbarry B&T Park |
57.53 |
|
County Cork |
Carrigtohill |
Carrigtohill B&T Park |
11.08 |
|
County Cork |
Charleville |
Rathgoggan Estate |
1.86 |
|
County Cork |
Bantry |
Drombrow |
1.9627 |
|
County Cork |
Bandon |
Laragh Estate |
1.37 |
|
County Cork |
Cork City |
Ringaskiddy |
149.32 |
|
County Cork |
Cork City |
Cork B&T Park |
0.42 |
|
County Cork |
Cork City |
Ringaskiddy Estate |
0.2023 |
|
County Cork |
Cork City |
Rossa Ave |
0.1152 |
|
County Cork |
Millstreet |
Millstreet IDA Estate |
0.1133 |
|
County Cork |
Fermoy |
Fermoy B&T Park |
6.05 |
|
County Cork |
Carrigtohill East |
Cork Carrigtohill East |
53.1576 |
|
County Donegal |
Ballyshannon |
Ballyshannon |
1.0672 |
|
County Donegal |
Donegal/Tully/Clar/B |
Lurganboy |
0.872 |
|
County Donegal |
Letterkenny |
Knocknamona |
1.35 |
|
County Donegal |
Letterkenny/Manorcun |
Letterkenny B&T Park |
19.33 |
|
County Donegal |
Letterkenny/Manorcun |
Letterkenny Lisnenan 2 |
0.38 |
|
County Donegal |
Letterkenny/Manorcun |
Letterkenny B&T Park |
2.6282 |
|
County Dublin |
Dublin 24 |
Dublin 24 - Whitestown Ind Est |
0.56 |
|
County Dublin |
Dublin 11 |
Dublin 11 - Poppintree Ind. Est. |
3.78 |
|
County Dublin |
Blanchardstown |
Cruiserath |
27.1925 |
|
County Dublin |
Blanchardstown |
Blanchardstown B&T Park |
10.4956 |
|
County Dublin |
Dublin 12 |
Dubl 12 - Ballymount Ind. Est. |
0.0249 |
|
County Dublin |
Swords |
Swords Bus. Park, Greenfields |
2.04 |
|
County Dublin |
Dublin 5 |
Belcamp - B&T Park |
46.44 |
|
County Galway |
Tuam |
Tuam Business Park |
1.4794 |
|
County Galway |
Roundstone |
Roundstone |
1.42 |
|
County Galway |
Mountbellew/Ballygar |
Mountbellew Business Park |
0.1979 |
|
County Galway |
Gort |
Gort Business Park |
1.1217 |
|
County Galway |
Glenamaddy |
Glenamaddy Business Park |
0.9105 |
|
County Galway |
Galway City |
Parkmore B&T Park (W&E) |
26.75 |
|
County Galway |
Ballygar |
Ballygar Site |
3.4398 |
|
County Galway |
Ballinasloe |
Ballinasloe B&T Park |
8.88 |
|
County Galway |
Tuam |
Tuam Science & Technology Park |
9.92 |
|
County Galway |
Galway City |
Oranmore Science & Tech Park |
26.78 |
|
County Galway |
Athenry |
Athenry |
92.4351 |
|
County Kerry |
Killorglin |
Farrantoreen |
0.74 |
|
County Kerry |
Killarney |
Killarney B&T Park |
1.14 |
|
County Kerry |
Tralee |
Acq c.1.0Ha Tralee |
1 |
|
County Kildare |
Newbridge |
Newbridge Business Park |
2.9339 |
|
County Kilkenny |
Kilkenny |
Purcellsinch Ind. Park |
3.95 |
|
County Kilkenny |
Kilkenny/Bennetsbridge |
Kilkenny B&T Park |
13.4 |
|
County Kilkenny |
Belview |
Belview |
22.8 |
|
County Laois |
Portlaoise |
Portlaoise B&T Park |
9.62 |
|
County Leitrim |
Carrick-On-Shannon |
Carrick-On-Shannon B&T Park |
6.4 |
|
County Leitrim |
Carrick-On-Shannon |
Carrick-On-Shannon |
0.1845 |
|
County Leitrim |
Drumshanbo |
Drumshanbo |
0.2238 |
|
County Leitrim |
Manorhamilton |
Manorhamilton |
0.9264 |
|
County Leitrim |
Manorhamilton |
Carrickleitrim |
0.4208 |
|
County Leitrim |
Mohill |
Mohill |
2.0693 |
|
County Limerick |
Limerick |
The National Technology Park |
64.72 |
|
County Limerick |
Limerick |
Raheen Business Park |
53.86 |
|
County Longford |
Longford |
Aghafad |
2.0272 |
|
County Longford |
Longford |
Longford Industrial Estate |
1.0176 |
|
County Louth |
Greenore |
Greenore |
0.0272 |
|
County Louth |
Dundalk |
Dundalk Finnabair B&T Park |
5.74 |
|
County Louth |
Dundalk/Ravensdale |
Dundalk Mullagharlin East |
12.8 |
|
County Louth |
Dundalk |
Dundalk Mullagharlin |
44.175 |
|
County Louth |
Drogheda |
Drogheda B&T Park |
22.53 |
|
County Mayo |
Ballina |
Ballina Business Park |
0.6 |
|
County Mayo |
Bangor Erris |
Bango Erris Industrial Park |
0.607 |
|
County Mayo |
Castlebar |
Castlebar B&T Park |
3.0897 |
|
County Mayo |
Foxford |
Foxford Business Park |
0.6798 |
|
County Mayo |
Ballina |
Ballina |
10.6141 |
|
County Meath |
Navan Boyerstown Bro |
Navan B&T Park |
24.21 |
|
County Monaghan |
Monaghan |
Monaghan Business Park |
7.53 |
|
County Offaly |
Tullamore |
Tullamore Industrial Estate |
0.3541 |
|
County Offaly |
Tullamore |
Tullamore B&T Park |
8 |
|
County Offaly |
Clara |
Clara |
0.4872 |
|
County Roscommon |
Roscommon |
Roscommon B&T Park |
4.63 |
|
County Roscommon |
Castlerea |
Station Rd |
1.1735 |
|
County Sligo |
Sligo |
Cleveragh Business Park |
0.3035 |
|
County Sligo |
Easkey |
Easkey Business Park |
0.0611 |
|
County Sligo |
Sligo |
Finisklin B &T Park |
10.97 |
|
County Sligo |
Sligo |
Sligo - Oakfield Site |
31.3186 |
|
County Tipperary |
Tipperary |
Knockanrawley |
2.08 |
|
County Tipperary |
Clonmel |
Clonmel Bus Park |
20.071 |
|
County Waterford |
Waterford |
Waterford Industrial Estate |
5.19 |
|
County Waterford |
Waterford |
Waterford B&T Park |
23.88 |
|
County Waterford |
Dungarvan |
Dungarvan B&T Park |
11.5675 |
|
County Westmeath |
Mullingar |
Clonmore Ind. Est. |
6.8 |
|
County Westmeath |
Athlone |
Athlone B&T Park Garrycastle |
11.3647 |
|
County Westmeath |
Athlone |
Garrankesh Estate |
0.0926 |
|
County Westmeath |
Mullingar |
Mullingar B&T Park |
22.5 |
|
County Wexford |
Wexford |
Wexford B&T Park |
3.14 |
|
County Wexford |
Wexford |
Wexford Whitemills |
0.066 |
|
County Wexford |
Enniscorthy |
Moyne Upper |
0.39 |
|
County Wicklow |
Arklow |
Arklow Kilbride |
0.1197 |
|
County Wicklow |
Greystones |
Greystones B&T Park |
17.93 |
|
County Wicklow |
Arklow |
Arklow B&T Park |
14.56 |
288. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of part-time and full-time media advisers employed in her Department; the Civil Service grade of each media adviser; and the cost over a full year of employing all such advisers. [31240/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is one Special Adviser working in my Office, with responsibility for media-related matters. This Special Adviser acts as spokesperson for me, as Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, coordinates the media relations on my behalf, coordinates briefings and provides advice on a wide range of policy matters, as well as performing other functions as I may direct from time to time.
This is a full-time post, and the position attracts the salary scale for Principal Officer level (standard) PPC.
289. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the specific projects that will receive the €65 million in extra capital expenditure in 2019 as outlined in Annex 1 of the National Development Plan 2018-2027; the amount each project will receive of this €65 million in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31268/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra290. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the specific projects which will receive the €620 million in capital funding allocated in 2019; the amount each project will receive of the €620 million in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31283/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 289 and 290 together.
The distribution of the allocations across my Department’s Vote for 2019 will be determined through the annual Revised Estimates Volume (REV) processes. It is not possible at this time to provide the Deputy with the specific capital funding allocations for 2019. As regards the 2019 estimates process, it is expected that finalisation and publication of the 2019 REV allocations will be determined in early December 2018.
The Deputy will be aware that the recently published National Development Plan (NDP) sets out a high-level financial and budgetary framework, which includes indicative Exchequer allocations, for each Ministerial Vote Group, over a five-year period from 2018 to 2022. The indicative allocation for my Department for 2019 is €620m this represent €65 million in extra capital expenditure in 2019 above the €555m allocated in 2018. The precise budgetary Ministerial capital ceiling for 2019 will be determined as part of the annual Estimates processes.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Deputy will be aware that the NDP, which is a ten-year plan out to 2027, also set out the investment priorities necessary to achieve the National Strategic Outcome 5: A Strong Economy, supported by Enterprise, Innovation and Skills. I and my Department are working to accelerate implementation of the key initiatives for which I have lead responsibility. These include;
- The second phase of the €60m Regional Enterprise Development Fund. Launched in early April this is part of a rolling programme of competitive calls over the coming years, and builds on the €31m of awards I announced in December 2017;
- On 29 June in Drogheda I launched the call for Expressions of Interest from businesses and research organisations for the Government's new €500m Disruptive Technologies Fund and I look forward to announcing the first awards in 2019;
- My Department is currently completing a review of the Seed and Venture Capital Scheme 2013-2018 and I will then bring forward proposals for a further scheme in 2019;
- IDA Ireland is continuing to invest in property solutions to attract investments into the regions;
- The number of world class Science Foundation Ireland Research Centres will increase further this year with the establishment of the Future Milk Centre;
- Additional funding is being provided in 2018 and beyond to increase the number of PhD qualified researchers from higher education sector;
- With the aid of funding from my Department and the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine and support of the SBCI and the European Investment Bank, I and Ministers Creed and Donohoe announced a new €300 million Brexit working capital loan fund for businesses with less than 500 employees at the end of March. This scheme is making working capital available to impacted firms at an interest rate of 4%. My Department is also working with colleagues in the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, SBCI and EIB on developing a long-term loan scheme for businesses affected by Brexit.
While the NDP is at a very early stage of its existence, I am determined to maximise the potential impacts of the funding being provided to my Department so as to ensure sustainable growth and quality employment for all.
291. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the specific reason for the underspend in gross voted expenditure of €16 million as outlined in Appendix V of the June 2018 fiscal monitor; the specific projects that have an underspend; the value of the underspend on each project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31300/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraDepartment of Business, Enterprise and Innovation capital funding is primarily in the form of enterprise and innovation grants awards provided through Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland, the 31 Local Enterprise Offices, InterTrade Ireland, Tyndall National Institute, the Programme for Research in Third-Level Institutions and the Interreg programme. It also covers some funding to support the National Standards Authority of Ireland, the Credit Guarantee Scheme and payment of Ireland’s membership and participation in various International Research Organisations such as the European Space Agency.
The underspend to the end of June is primarily in the following areas;
Subhead A5 IDA is €6m behind profile: the variance occurs because of some delays in anticipated projects, which will now happen later in the year. Given the nature of IDA supports there will invariably be some delays from time to time on projects which can impact on profiled expenditure.
Subhead A7 Enterprise Ireland is €1.9m behind profile: the variance occurs because of higher than anticipated Own Resource Income (ORI). EI is obliged to expend its Own Resource Income before drawing on Exchequer funding. In addition, it is important to appreciate that the EI funding model is demand-led and grants provided to client companies are typically multi-annual in nature, usually over a 3 to 4-year period. Funding provision is dependent on their client companies adhering to, and delivering on, certain terms and conditions associated with the EI grant award. For example, delivering on a certain number of additional jobs, or achieving increased export sales etc. Good corporate governance in relation to public finances means that grant payments can only be made upon receipt of vouched expenditure claims have been submitted by the client companies and properly vetted by EI.
Subhead B4 Science & Technology Development Programme is €8.5m behind profile : the variance occurs as SFI is €7.2m behind profile, this is due to timing differences on SFI Grant payment items and SFI awaiting financial reports. Tyndall Institute is also €1.3m behind profile, due to timing issues.
In terms of the Department’s Capital allocation, notwithstanding the variance at the end of June, based on information currently to hand the Department expects to fully expend its capital allocation this year.
292. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the revenues earned in 2016 and 2017 by the National Standards Authority of Ireland through the sale of industry standards; if there are other channels by which copies of these standards can be obtained; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31374/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) is the State body responsible for developing and promoting the use of standards. Standards aim to improve the performance of business and protect consumers by ensuring quality and safety.
NSAI published 1,490 standards in 2017, including 4 new Irish standards. The top 5 standards sold in Ireland in 2017 demonstrates the diversity of standards available:
1. I.S. 813 – Domestic Gas Installations
2. I.S. 340:2007 – Hygiene in Catering Sector
3. I.S. 3217:2013 – Emergency Lighting
4. I.S. EN ISO 9000:2015 – Quality Management Systems
5. I.S. EN ISO 14000:2015 – Environmental Management Systems
NSAI’s revenue for the sale of standards in 2016 and 2017 was €945,406 and €1,075,335 respectively.
Standards are available online through NSAI’s webstore www.standards.ie and all standards in the NSAI catalogue may be viewed free of charge at NSAI Headquarters, 1 Swift Square, Northwood, Santry, Dublin D09 A0E4.
International standards can also be purchased from the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the international standardisation organisations.
293. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of visits by clients of the IDA Ireland to County Mayo in the first half of 2018; the number of visits to counties Sligo, Galway, Leitrim and Roscommon in the same period; her views on IDA Ireland job creation in County Mayo; the IDA Ireland plans for its land in Ballina, County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31375/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is a strong base of multinational companies in County Mayo with 16 companies employing 4,462 people there as of the end of 2017. This is an increase of 5% over 2016. IDA Ireland actively engages with this existing client base to support them in growing their business further in the County.
IDA Ireland owns approximately 11 hectares of land in Ballina, County Mayo. This is broken down into approximately 10.6 hectares of industrial zoned land on the Sligo Road and around 0.6 hectares at the Ballina Industrial Park, which would be suitable for the expansion of an existing company on the park. The IDA has informed my Department that both of these land banks are master planned and have planning permission for infrastructure development. The Agency continues to market these lands in Ballina to prospective clients through its network of overseas offices.
The Agency does its utmost to encourage clients to locate in regional areas. However, it must be noted that the ultimate decision as to where to invest is always taken by the company itself. It is also important to remember that site visit activity does not necessarily reflect investment potential, as at least 70% of all new foreign direct investment comes from existing IDA Ireland client companies.
The table below details the number of site visits to Counties Leitrim, Sligo, Galway, Mayo and Roscommon in 2017 and Quarter 1 2018. Figures for Quarter 2 will be compiled at the end of July.
|
County |
Site visits in 2017 |
Site visits in Q1 2018 |
|
Leitrim |
5 |
2 |
|
Sligo |
18 |
5 |
|
Galway |
62 |
10 |
|
Mayo |
7 |
2 |
|
Roscommon |
3 |
0 |
294. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the Brexit-related supports under the remit of her Department; the date each support was open to applicants; the number of applicants to date that have applied; the number of applicants that have been successful; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31414/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn March, I launched a new €300m Brexit Loan Scheme to enable companies to fund their Brexit response strategy. There has been a steady stream of applications to date. The Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) have received 151 applications under the Brexit Loan Scheme. 132 of those applications have been deemed eligible for a loan under the scheme, and of those, 10 have been progressed to sanction at finance provider level to a total value of €2.49 million.
Enterprise Ireland’s focus for 2018 is to help client companies build on the strength of their 2017 performance by putting an increased emphasis on market diversification, driving innovation and competitiveness. In delivering on this, new supports have been introduced and others streamlined:
- Be Prepared Grant – Launched in June 2017, Enterprise Ireland’s Be Prepared Grant supports the costs of clients in preparing a plan to mitigate risks and optimise opportunities arising from Brexit. This grant support, of up to €5,000, can be used to help cover consultancy, travel and out of pocket expenses associated with researching the direction of their Brexit action plan. To date 113 companies have been approved for support under this initiative with strong demand shown in the number of applications received.
- The Agile Innovation Fund – Launched in November 2017, the Agile Innovation Fund gives companies rapid fast-track access to innovation funding, and up to 50% in support for product, process or service development projects with a total cost of up to €300,000. The new measure has been introduced by Enterprise Ireland for companies to respond more quickly to market opportunities and challenges, including those posed by Brexit. 18 innovation projects have been approved under this initiative and a strong pipeline of applications is being processed.
- Market Discovery Fund – Launched in January 2018, the Market Discovery Fund supports Enterprise Ireland clients research new markets for products and services. The fund is designed to help companies of all sizes to meet the key challenges of market research. There are three levels of funding available to companies: up to €35,000, up to €75,000 and up to €150,000. To date, 42 projects have been approved under this initiative.
- The Act On Programme was launched in January 2018. This programme provides an independent consultant to companies for a course of two half day to assist them decide on specific actions over a short period to address some of the risks and opportunities from Brexit. To date, 41 Strategic Consultancy Brexit Plans have been completed and a strong pipeline of applications is in place.
It is important to highlight that these are new or adapted supports, in light of Brexit, and are complementary to the range of existing supports for innovation, competitiveness and market diversification that constitute the longer-term response to Brexit and other global challenges.
The Local Enterprise Offices (LEO) offer the Technical Assistance for Micro Enterprise Grant which was open to applicants from 21 March 2017. Since the grant was launched to the 30 June 2018, 475 Technical Assistance for Micro Enterprise Grants have been approved by the LEOs.
The LEO Lean4Micro offer was developed in collaboration between Enterprise Ireland and the LEOs to strengthen the competitiveness of micro-enterprises. Since 2017, all LEOs have received a budget allocation to fund a Lean4Micro programme in their area. In the period, 2017 to 30th June 2018, 324 LEO clients have completed Lean4Micro projects.
Part of InterTrade Ireland’s Brexit work is the provision for SMEs of a Brexit ‘Start to Plan’ readiness voucher scheme, which enables companies to purchase specialist advice in areas such as customs, tax, tariff and non-tariff barriers, legal and labour mobility issues. These are worth €2,000 to each of the companies. Details of the take up of these vouchers is as follows:
|
Vouchers Approved |
Amount Committed (€) |
Vouchers Pending |
Total |
|
149 |
288,000 |
110 |
259 |
InterTrade Ireland has initiated a range of advice services for companies providing helpful information on this issue. InterTrade Ireland are also advertising the voucher supports through national and local media. In the last quarter there were over 200 enquiries to this service.
295. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of companies that have attended the Brexit advisory clinics since they commenced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31415/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnterprise Ireland (EI) supports companies in regional and rural areas to start, innovate and remain competitive in international markets, now and into the future. EI provide a range of financial and non-financial supports for companies to assist them scale and succeed in international markets; these supports are tailored to a company’s stage of growth and level of ambition.
To be resilient to economic shocks, such as Brexit, Irish exporting companies need to be innovative, competitive and have a diversified global footprint. Enterprise Ireland’s focus for 2018 is to help client companies build on the strength of their 2017 performance by putting an increased emphasis on market diversification, driving innovation and competitiveness.
In addition to the agency’s increased focus on market diversification, innovation and competitiveness, Enterprise Ireland is undertaking a programme to promote companies’ awareness of, and level of preparedness to Brexit. This activity has included running a national series of Brexit Advisory Clinics.
The purpose of these Clinics is to encourage companies to examine their potential exposure to Brexit, to complete the Brexit SME Scorecard and use the Be Prepared Grant to plan their strategic response to Brexit. To date Enterprise Ireland has run 7 Brexit advisory clinics throughout the country. Approximately 530 people have attend these events to date and four more Clinics are due to take place before the end of the year.
296. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the changes she has made to allow access by persons to their own data held by her Department and bodies under its aegis following the introduction of the general data protection regulation, GDPR; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31464/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) on 25 May 2018, my Department and the Offices under its aegis have made a number of changes to allow access by persons to their own personal data.
These changes include the design of a dedicated Data Protection area on our corporate website which sets out the changes to data protection practices introduced by the GDPR. This includes the publication of our revised Data Privacy Statement, together with an updated Subject Access Request (SAR) application form and detailed information on how data subjects (the "individual") can access their own personal data that is held within my Department or in one of its Offices. A dedicated mailbox called dataprotection@dbei.gov.ie has also been set up to assist members of the public in submitting their personal data access requests. A number of targeted GDPR training and awareness sessions have also been delivered by our Data Protection Officer (DPO) to staff in Business Units across my Department and its Offices who are particularly involved in the processing of personal data. Each of these sessions has included a module on Data Subject Access Requests (SARs) and good administrative practices to ensure that personal data access requests are dealt with as efficiently as possible when they are submitted to my Department and its Offices.
297. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the staffing complement and resources of her Department's data protection officer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31488/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraEarlier this year a full-time official at Assistant Principal Officer level was assigned as Data Protection Officer (DPO) within my Department and its Offices. Prior to this, the Data Protection Officer role had been shared with other responsibilities but it was considered prudent to assign a full-time official as part of our preparation for the coming into force of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). In addition, each Office of the Department has a nominated lead individual for liaison with the DPO on data protection and GDPR related issues. The staffing for the DPO function is being kept under review.
Training resources to support the work of the DPO have also been made available through my Department's training budget. To date, this funding has provided targeted training to 77 staff from across my Department and its Offices on Data Protection and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Resources will also be used to provide two further one-day GDPR training courses which have been scheduled for Autumn 2018.
